The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)

Charles did a quick mental calculation. The total value of the two lists William and Charlotte prepared for Natalie and Marcus was close to eight billion dollars.

With the Walkers going all out like that, the Holdens could not afford to fall behind. So, Charles immediately called Sheldon over, and the two began discussing what assets they should gift the couple.

William and Charlotte exchanged a satisfied glance. As long as Charles stayed at the Walker residence, it did not matter when Natalie and Marcus showed up.

"Mr. Holden Senior, have some tea and fruit first. There's no rush. We can take our time working out the details together," Charlotte said warmly.

Charles replied firmly, "That won't do. You've already prepared everything, and we've got nothing on our end. If people found out, they'd think I neglected Nattie."

He asked William for a laptop, a pen, and a notepad, then began going over his personal assets. Wealth did not come with you when you were born, and you could not take it with you when you died.

Charles had lived a long life and enjoyed more than enough luxury over the years. Every penny he owned would eventually go to Marcus, his only grandson. As long as Marcus and Natalie were happy, he did not care about the rest. He would give them everything.noveldrama

As for Wesley and Cassie? They could do whatever they wanted with their lives— or ruin them. He was done caring about those two, especially Cassie. After everything she had done, it was a miracle he had not disowned her publicly.

William and Charlotte sat quietly, sipping their tea as they watched Charles work with surprising seriousness. Time ticked by, and no one knew how long it had been before Charles finally finished listing out the assets he wanted to gift the couple.

Right then, Marcus, Natalie, and Hector stepped through the mansion's front gate. "Dad, Mom, I'm home," Natalie called out, her calm voice carrying through the air.

Charlotte immediately stood and rushed toward Natalie. "Come here, my sweetheart. Let me look at you. Have you lost weight while you were away?"

She pulled Natalie into a tight hug, then stepped back to examine her carefully. Her eyes welled with concern. "You look thinner... and a little tanner. Have you been running around outside too much?"

Natalie shook her head. "Not really, Mom. You're just seeing things."

"No, I'm not," Charlotte argued.

"I'm sure you are." The truth was that Natalie had just been busy treating Laura and had not been getting much sleep. But it was nothing as dramatic as Charlotte made it seem.

Still, Charlotte could not help but feel guilty. Even so, she did not want to hold Natalie back by forcing her into the role of some pampered heiress, living like a doll behind locked gates. Letting her go out into the world meant freedom for her mind, soul, and future.

Charlotte and William could never bring themselves to clip Natalie's wings. Because if they did, they would lose her completely.

Once the mother-daughter reunion settled down, Marcus stepped forward politely. "Mrs. Walker, Mr. Walker."

"Marcus, come sit," Charlotte said with a wave of her hand. "How's your mom doing? Has she been feeling better lately?"

Marcus nodded. "Yes. She's still recovering, but once she's fully healed, she can return to Dithoria State."

"That's wonderful to hear," Charlotte said, patting her chest in relief.

Ever since she learned the truth about Laura's condition, Charlotte had been worried about her. But that worry eventually led her to discover that Natalie was actually the famous Dr. Elim.

Hector had warned them to keep the secret, so Charlotte never brought it up. All she cared about was whether Natalie's health could withstand the weight of that responsibility.

"Sweetheart, do you want to rest in your room for a bit?" Charlotte asked.

"There's no need," Natalie said calmly, glancing behind her. Hector was right there, dragging a dejected and silent Charlene by the collar as she followed along without resistance.

"Mom, Dad, can you step out for a bit? And have the staff members clear out too," Natalie added.

"Of course," Charlotte replied without asking a single question, immediately complying with Natalie's request.

Within minutes, Charlotte, William, and every staff member had disappeared from the living room, leaving the space silent and charged with tension. Marcus, Natalie, and Hector sat across from Charles and Sheldon without a word.

Charlene remained still with her head lowered, seated next to Hector

"Grandpa Charles," Natalie called suddenly.

Charles jolted, clearly startled by her voice. The moment he saw Natalie's and Marcus' serious expressions, the color drained from his face.

He stammered, "N-Nattie... M-Marcus... H-How did you even get here without me noticing? And Hector, you're here too."

Hector gave a slight nod. "Mr. Holden Senior, what about this young lady? Funny you didn't mention her."

Charles' eyes fell on Charlene, and he visibly shuddered. The moment he saw her, only one thought struck him—she looked too familiar, uncannily so.

"Hello, Mr. Holden Senior. I'm Charlene Jenkins," Charlene said softly, beating him to the greeting before he could gather himself.

"H-Hello," Charles replied, his voice unsteady. He stared at her, lips twitching. He had so many things to say, but he was unsure where to begin.

Marcus cut in, his tone calm but piercing, "Grandpa, this is Ms. Jenkins... I'm guessing you're very familiar with her grandmother.

"After you told me the story of the Jenkins family and the tragic fire, I was actually relieved to know someone survived. Since you were so close with her grandmother my grandaunt-I'm sure you wouldn't fail to recognize her granddaughter." Cóntent

There was no anger in Marcus' voice, but there was no warmth either. It was cold,

flat, and direct. He watched Charles with an unwavering gaze, taking note of every twitch and flicker of emotion on the older man's face.

"Marcus, what exactly are you trying to say?" Charles asked, snapping out of his daze. His eyes darted between Natalie, Marcus, and the silent Charlene. The tension finally pushed his patience too far.

"Are you interrogating me now?"

"Don't you think you owe me an explanation? Marcus said slowly, enunciating every word. "Back at The Herbalist's Sanctuary, I told you that Nat planned to bring Charlene here to meet you. But instead of waiting, you and Sheldon vanished at the crack of dawn."

He continued, "So, Grandpa, how about you tell me why? What exactly were you

so afraid of? Hmm?"

"Marcus!" Charles' voice suddenly rose. "I'm still your grandfather!"

Marcus did not flinch. "I didn't say you were my grandmother." "Marcus—" Charles' face turned red as anger surged within him.

Sheldon quickly reached over and pressed a hand to his chest. "Mr. Holden Senior, please don't get worked up. You can't afford to quicken your heart rate!"

"It's okay if you do get upset," Marcus added coldly. "You've got two doctors sitting across from you. As long as you're not instantly dead, they'll make sure you survive."

"Marcus—" Charles was so angry that he was rendered speechless, his chest heaving with rage.

"Mr. Holden, please," Sheldon begged, clearly panicked. He patted Charles' chest, trying to calm him down. "Sir, just breathe... easy now... don't hurt yourself."

"Grandpa Charles, here. Take one of these," Natalie said, taking a small glass vial from her purse. She shook out a pill and handed it to him.

Charles accepted it without hesitation and swallowed it immediately. After a few more minutes and deep breaths, the tension in his chest finally eased. "Feeling better?" Marcus asked, voice still icy. "Then, let's continue. Charlene is Yvette's granddaughter, isn't she?"